Details

The monument includes a moated site immediately south-east of Foxley Green
Farm. The moat island, which has dimensions of 50m NE-SW by 55m NW-SE, is
surrounded by a deep quadrangular, water-filled moat in good condition. The
site measures approximately 80m by 70m externally. The moat has no causeway
but an external bank surviving to a height of up to 1m runs around the
southern and eastern perimeter. Various earthworks survive on the moat island
which once contained the manor house of Foxley's. This was burned down in the
18th century. Reports of previous excavations are unsubstantiated.

MAP EXTRACT
The site of the monument is shown on the attached map extract.
It includes a 2 metre boundary around the archaeological features,
considered to be essential for the monument's support and preservation.

Source: Historic England

Reasons for Scheduling

Around 6,000 moated sites are known in England. They consist of wide ditches,
often or seasonally water-filled, partly or completely enclosing one or more
islands of dry ground on which stood domestic or religious buildings. In some
cases the islands were used for horticulture. The majority of moated sites
served as prestigious aristocratic and seigneurial residences with the
provision of a moat intended as a status symbol rather than a practical
military defence. The peak period during which moated sites were built was
between about 1250 and 1350 and by far the greatest concentration lies in
central and eastern parts of England. However, moated sites were built
throughout the medieval period, are widely scattered throughout England and
exhibit a high level of diversity in their forms and sizes. They form a
significant class of medieval monument and are important for the understanding
of the distribution of wealth and status in the countryside. Many examples
provide conditions favourable to the survival of organic remains.

Although a large number of moated sites are known, relatively few survive in
Berkshire. This site is important as it survives particularly well, contains
a good range of features, including various low earthworks on the interior,
and maintains a documented historical association.

Source: Historic England

Sources

Other
West Cambridgeshire, Royal Commission on Historical Monuments, An Inventory of Historical Monuments in Cambridgeshire, (1968)

Source: Historic England